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Volcanoes, forests and lakes – see the best Nicaragua and Costa Rica has to offer

Whether it’s the twin volcanoes reflected in the water of Lake Nicaragua, the smell of rich morning coffee in the streets of San Jose, or exploring the misty canopies of Monteverde's cloud forests – there’s an unmistakeable allure to Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Discover this enticing pocket of Central America on an adventure where you can do as much or as little as you like. Grab a mountain bike and tackle the hills of Monteverde, swing through the trees on a zip-line, or simply soak in thermal springs heated by the impressive Arenal Volcano. Hedged in by sprawling forests filled with plenty of exotic wildlife, this is the greatest playground on Earth.

Lock in your 2019 holiday for only €50!

Lock in your 2019 holiday for only €50!

Offer applies to trips departing before 14 December 2019.

1. EUR50 deposit offer must be redeemed between 17 January and 28 February 2019 and can be used on any 2019 trip with departure before 14 December.
2. Offer excludes Christmas departures from 14 December – 31 December 2019.
3. The deposit can be used towards any Intrepid small group adventure and Intrepid short breaks, with the below exclusions: Polar trips – includes all itineraries in the Arctic and Antarctica; Private groups; Gorilla treks where pre-purchased permits are required to secure the trek to see the Gorillas. Excluded trips are: Gorillas & Game Parks (YXOG), Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches (YXOCC), Gorillas to Vic Falls (YXOIC), Africa Encompassed Southbound (YXOEC), Beaches, Game Parks & Gorillas (YXOGC), Vic Falls to Gorillas (YXOFC), Africa Encompassed Northbound (UXODC), Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Basix (YGAG), Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda (YGAR); Inca Trail trips where pre-purchased permits are required to secure the trek. Excluded trips are: Classic Peru (GGSD), Epic Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia (GGYQC), Epic Ecuador to Argentina via The Inca Trail (GGYCC), Epic Peru, Bolivia & Argentina (GGYBC), Epic Peru to Brazil (GGYDC), Epic South America (GGYEC), Essential Peru (GGYE), Essential Quito to Lima (GGYQ), Explore Peru & Bolivia (GGSUC), Galapagos & Inca Trail Adventure (GGTWC), Galapagos & Peru Adventure (GGSYC), Inca Encounter (GGKY), Inca Trail (GGTBC), Inca Trail & Amazon (GGSEC), Inca Trail Express (GGTA), Inca Trail Extension (GGHC), Machu Picchu Explorer (GGHT), Majestic Peru (GGKP), One Week in Peru (GGYC), Peru, Chile & Argentina Explorer (GGCLC), Peru Encompassed (GGSA), Peru Essentials (GGBL), Peru Family Holiday (GGFB), Real Peru (GGYA), Real Peru to Bolivia (GGYP), Sacred Land of the Incas (GGSQ), Six Days on the Inca Trail (GGYM). Normal deposits apply to these trips.
4. Balance is payable within 56 days of departure except for Intrepid Adventure Cruising departures which are payable within 90 days of departure.
5. Full name of passengers must be provided at time of booking. Passengers are not able to hold multiple departures for overlapping dates.
6. Offer applies to land element of tour only and cannot be redeemed against international flights.
7. The offer can only be applied to new bookings. Under no circumstances will the offer be applied to existing bookings or used in conjunction with another offer or discount.
8. Deposit amount is payable per person.
9. If the traveller wishes to change dates or tours, they will be required to pay the full EUR275 deposit (EUR400 deposit for Adventure Cruising, EUR75 deposit for 18 to 29s range) towards the new trip. This is applicable even inside the promotional period.
10. Prices, itineraries and inclusions are subject to change without notice. Standard booking conditions apply as per Intrepid website, www.intrepidtravel.com.
11. The trip is subject to availability and confirmation by Intrepid Travel at time of booking.
12. This offer is valid for residents of Europe (excl. UK and Switzerland) only.

Why you'll love this trip

Discover Central America, a land of active volcanoes, idyllic lakes and emerald jungles.

Volcanoes, wildlife-rich rainforest, stunning beaches and ancient rock carvings - Ometepe Island has it all. You'll have plenty of free time to explore the island, which is set into beautiful Lake Nicaragua.

Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde in Costa Rica. Get up close to nature among the hundreds of mammal, bird and plant species that call this place home.

Encounter Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna. Whether it's reflecting back at you in the lake or heating the thermal pools you're stewing away in, the magnificent volcano always makes its presence felt.

Is this trip right for you?

Central America is tropical, so expect a hot and humid climate. Make sure you protect yourself from the sun, wear comfortable, light clothing and stay hydrated - especially when out on walking tours.

There are many opportunities to get active on this adventure. Some of the optional activities, especially the volcano hikes, require a moderate level of fitness and sturdy walking shoes. If you'd prefer to take it easy, however, there are plenty of other things you can do instead.

While border crossings are usually straightforward, please prepare to be patient while local authorities process paperwork.

Bienvenidos a Nicaragua! This adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. For dinner tonight, perhaps head out with your group and sample solomillo a la pimienta (pork loin in creamy pepper sauce), a local specialty.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Today is free to explore Granada's charming cobblestone streets. You can choose to join a guided tour of the city, bargain hard in the markets or wander the town snapping photos of the colourful buildings. Another option is to cruise the islets of Lake Nicaragua by boat. If you feel like something more active, perhaps hire a kayak or a bicycle and find your own way around, or hike out in the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, you could take a day trip out to Mombacho or Masaya Volcano National Park to get close to these steaming giants. Your friendly leader will be on hand to help you organise any or all of these activities. In the evening, perhaps visit the local restaurants and try gallo pinto, a traditional dish made with beans and rice.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Granada- Leader led walking tour

Optional Activities

Granada - City tour - USD65

Granada - Mombacho Volcano hike - USD40

Granada - Masaya Volcano night hike - USD50

Granada - Laguna Apoyo kayaking tour - USD45

Meals Included

Take the morning to say farewell to Granada. At 2pm travel by local bus to Rivas (approximately 1.5 hours) and transfer to the port San Jorge to catch a one-hour ferry across Lake Nicaragua to the island of Ometepe. Hourglass-shaped Ometepe Island is formed by two volcanoes rising out of Lake Nicaragua ('Ometepe' literally means 'two volcanoes' in the Nahuatl language). The island is home to fruit plantations, deep jungle and exotic wildlife such as monkeys and parrots. The world's only species of freshwater shark circle in the surrounding lake. A great experience is to sit on the shore and watch fishermen return from a long day on the water with their catch.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Today is a free day to discover the island. Perhaps take a hike up to the summit of either the Concepcion or Maderas Volcanoes. Be warned - at 1700 and 1340 metres above sea level respectively, these treks are no walk in the park. You might prefer to splash around in the natural springs, soak up the sun on the beach or check out the island's petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings).

Meals Included

Today is a big travel day, with an early start beginning at 7 am. Take a 1.5 hour ferry to the mainland and then a 1.5 hour transfer to Penas Blancas before crossing the border into Costa Rica. Pease note a USD 3 fee is required when exiting Nicaragua. Reaching the Costa Rican border requires a 1km/0.6mi walk carrying your luggage. Proof of onward travel is normally required to enter Costa Rica. If you're flying out of San Jose, bring a printed copy of your flight details in case the border officials ask to see them. Once in Costa Rica, travel by private minibus for 5 hours to Monteverde. After arriving in town and taking an opportunity to freshen up, your leader will take you on an walking tour of Monteverde.

Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American quakers. These environmentally-aware settlers also established a small wildlife sanctuary, which has since grown into the internationally-renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Cloud forests are similar to rainforests, but instead draw their water from a semi-permanent cloud covering the region. This is a nature lover's paradise, with more than 2,000 plant species, 320 bird species and 100 mammal species calling the reserve home. Be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of the most elusive birds in the world.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Monteverde - Leader led walking tour

Meals Included

Make the most of a full day free to explore the reserve. Perhaps take a hike through the cloud forest, go for a ride on a mountain bike, or fly over the canopy on a zip line tour. Another way to see the forest is on a Sky Walk tour, which takes you high through the treetops along a series of suspension bridges. You can explore the park on your own or arrange for a local guide to accompany you. The guides are very knowledgeable and happy to show travellers around the reserve. For a guaranteed wildlife encounter, visit the butterfly and insect gardens or the serpentarium. There are also several cooperatives worth visiting in the local communities. Your leader will be able to provide you with more details and help organise activities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Monteverde - Cloud Forest (Entrance fee & Transport) - USD40

Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD47

Monteverde - Zip lining - USD90

Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD35

Monteverde - Night walk - USD35

Monteverde - Butterfly garden and insects farm - USD15

Meals Included

Leave Monteverde at 2pm and take the scenic route to La Fortuna. Travel by shared minibus for 1.5 hours to the shores of Lake Arenal, which you'll then cross by boat – a further 1.5 hour journey. On a clear day you'll see fantastic views of the surrounding area. On the other side of the lake, re-board the minibus and continue on to your hotel. La Fortuna is a small town situated just a few minutes from Costa Rica's most famous volcano – the majestic Arenal. While you're here, make sure you take some photos of the volcano reflected spectacularly in the lake.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

La Fortuna - Leader led walking tour

Meals Included

There are plenty of optional activities to take part in today. Perhaps take a guided nature hike through the lush forest surrounding Arenal Volcano, keeping an eye out for rare plants and animals. You can also see the forest from a series of hanging bridges. Check out the 70-metre high La Fortuna waterfall, or get active with some water-based activities on the lake, such as stand-up paddle boarding. The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area is home to several thermal hot springs, an ideal way to relax in the middle of nature. Alternatively, a boat safari down the Celeste River offers the opportunity to see lizards, crocodiles and tropical birds in their natural habitat.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

La Fortuna - Hot springs - USD45

La Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges - USD56

La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall - USD15

La Fortuna - Nature hike around Arenal Volcano - USD50

La Fortuna - Cano Negro boat tour - USD67

La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board - USD65

Meals Included

Board a local bus for the five-hour journey to Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. Situated in the fertile Central Valley and home to over half the country's population, San Jose is filled with lively markets, intriguing museums and a dynamic atmosphere. Your leader will take you on a walking tour around the city's main highlights. A good place to start your exploration is the main plaza. Artisan booths are common here, so you never know when an art fair will pop up. The Gold Museum has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If you're in the mood for a bit of shopping, head to the outdoor market in the Plaza de la Cultura or the city's Central Market, where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood. There are number of highly recommended Urban Adventures to choose from in San Jose. Ask your leader for assistance on how to book them or call locally on 4000 5730 or email info@sanjoseurbanadventures.com. You can also browse day tours by visiting www.urbanadventures.com/destination/San-Jose-tours.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

San Jose - Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities

San Jose - Cartago Bike & Train Tour - Urban Adventures - USD59

San Jose - The Art of Craft Beer in San Jose - Urban Adventures - USD68

San Jose - San Jose by Night - Urban Adventures - USD74

San Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD33

San Jose - National Museum - USD12

Meals Included

Today your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned for the final day. As there's a lot to see and do in and around San Jose, we recommend staying on for a few days to make the most of the city. If you'd like to extend your visit and need further accommodation, our reservations team would be happy to assist (subject to availability).

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Inclusions

Meals

No meals are included on this tour

Transport

Private vehicle,
Public bus,
Taxi,
Shared boat,
Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights),
Lodge (2 nights)

Included activities

Granada- Leader led walking tour

Monteverde - Leader led walking tour

La Fortuna - Leader led walking tour

San Jose - Leader-led walking tour

Meals

No meals are included on this tour

Transport

Private vehicle,
Public bus,
Taxi,
Shared boat,
Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights),
Lodge (2 nights)

Included activities

Granada- Leader led walking tour

Monteverde - Leader led walking tour

La Fortuna - Leader led walking tour

San Jose - Leader-led walking tour

Dates & availability

Trip search is unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Nicaragua & Costa Rica trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
2. To have a private room on this trip, a single supplement is bookable; subject to availability.
3. Please be careful when booking flights to Granada; make sure you fly into Managua - Augusto C. Sandino International Airport [MGA]. Managua’s Airport is the closest airport to Granada. Please do NOT book flights to Granada Airport [GRX] as this is in Spain.
4. Please be careful when booking flights from San Jose; make sure you fly out of Juan Santamaría International Airport [SJO]. Please do NOT book flights from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport [SJC] as this is located in California, United States
5. Hurricane season in this region is June to November, when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services can occur. Intrepid monitors any situations that arise, and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to these natural weather occurrences.

2018 ITINERARY CHANGES:
From 01Sep2018 - 31Dec2018, this itinerary was cancelled to avoid the country Nicaragua due to safety concerns. However, we have determined that returning to Nicaragua early 2019 is feasible and safe. There have been no recent reports of protests or roadblocks which previously could have interrupted the running of our trips, or worse, jeopardize the safety of our travellers and that of our leaders. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Nicaragua but at this stage it is considered stable enough to purchase flights into Managua and out of San Jose in line with the start and end cities of this trip. While we endeavor to operate all trips as described we reserve the right as per booking conditions to change the trip itinerary if the situation changes.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.